#35 Contract Essentials for Consultants

Welcome to the $100k Playbook with Mike Koziol I break down why I insist every consultant uses a contract, how clear scope protects you from chargebacks and scope creep, and how contracts increase business value and professionalism. I also share my 12‑month engagement model with a 2‑month trial and firm termination terms to drive commitment and outcomes.Key takeaways:I always require a signed contract; 1–2 pages can be enoughContracts protect against refunds/chargebacks and clarify scopeSpecific deliverables prevent scope creep and disputesContracts improve business valuation; undocumented M2M revenue is discountedI define responsibilities for both sides (show up, do the work, be professional)Upfront “friction” filters poor‑fit clients; I’d rather lose a sale than invite misalignmentI use the contract to enforce boundaries and quote out‑of‑scope workMy long‑term programs: 2‑month try‑or‑leave, then 12‑month commitment (e.g., $35k, payable monthly)Installments don’t negate the total obligation absent cause; I protect my schedule and IPHigher pricing increases client commitment and follow‑throughWhat I include in contracts:Detailed scope: what’s included/excluded; precise definitions (e.g., what “campaign” means)Cadence: meeting frequency, timelines, deliverablesRoles and responsibilities for both partiesPayment terms, installment plan, and chargeback handlingTermination clauses: for‑cause vs. convenience; notice periodsIP, confidentiality, and professionalism standardsResources I mention:Offer/pricing calculator (monthly and annual)Contract calculator (linked in the show notes)Who this is for: Independent consultants and boutique firm owners who want to professionalize engagements, prevent scope creep, and improve predictability and valuation.—Connect with the host of the $100k Playbook Mike Koziol on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michalkoziol/Download the 2025 Consulting report: https://mikekoziol.com/the-100k-consultant-report/Download to $100k Offer Playbook: https://mikekoziol.com/the-100k-offer-playbook/Schedule a free marketing brainstorming session: https://mikekoziol.com/connect/Please rate the podcast on Spotify and iTunes <3Tags: consulting, consultant, productization, scaling, service business, marketing agency, freelancing, fractional CxO, profitability